Thesis
Establishing a foundation for the identification and initiation of clonal variation in Vitis vinifera
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2011
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102569
Abstract
Compared to other valuable fruit crops, there is minimal focus on genetic improvement of varietal quality of fruit produced from the world‟s major wine grapes, with current breeding programs focusing on traits such as resistance to biotic or abiotic stresses. To produce the highest quality fruit, viticulturists give attention to the best utilization of existing varieties with relationship to vineyard location and cultural practices. The existence of “clones”, assumed to be natural genetic variants within existing varieties, provides viticulturists with vines and fruit that fit their needs. The overarching goal of this project is to further the understanding of clonal variation of Vitis vinifera. The first objective of this project was to assess the importance of clonal variation to the Washington wine industry and develop a sense of the knowledge and interest in clonal variation among wine consumers. To achieve this, two surveys were conducted and results indicate that clonal variation is important to the industry and consumers, and there is a need for a resource in Washington that could genetically confirm clonal identity. To address the need identified by the survey studies, a new genetic test was investigated as part of the second objective. The method tested in this study yielded similar results as in all past DNA-based studies where varieties could be clearly differentiated, but clonal identification remains a challenge. The final objective of this project focused on developing a lab-based resource for the generation of clones to enable further studies. The Vitis genome has been sequenced and functional genomics studies are being conducted which are expected to reveal the genetic basis of clonal variation. Thus, a need has arisen for an in planta system to test gene function in V. vinifera. A prerequisite for such studies is an efficient regeneration system in Vitis. This has been accomplished using plant material from the dwarf cultivar V. vinifera „Pixie‟, an excellent model Vitis system.
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Details
- Title
- Establishing a foundation for the identification and initiation of clonal variation in Vitis vinifera
- Creators
- Kathie Lee Nicholson
- Contributors
- Amit Dhingra (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Horticulture, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525037401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis